Team members say

This trip should be a life changing experience. I’m still figuring it out after several days of pristine landscapes, untouched glaciers, rocky cliffs, barnacles covered whales, curious penguins, see-through blue icebergs and big arctic birds all over the place. The beauty of the place is indeed fascinating. I remember staring with my mouth open at one hanging glacier, standing on upper deck stairs. Alvaro wanted to climb up and was patiently waiting for me to come out of my state of owe. “Completely understanding” he said when I finally noticed him. Somebody said that being here one forgets about many things back home, even family and kids… We camped at a snowy hill at Dorian Bay and I spotted a piece of wooden plank on the rocks on the way to camping site. This piece of wood, an obvious proof of human intervention, was so much out of place. There was a British and Argentinean emergency hut near by and that was a piece from one of those huts. Why was I so fortunate to witness the grandeur of this continent? Seeing it, smelling it, sensing it is a unique experience that should lead to something bigger the just pictures and stories around a dinner table. What is it that will not be the same in my life after this expedition? I will think about it for the next few days … and I’m sure that I will come up with an answer.

Hike. Sore legs. Glacier! Merry team: a Mexican rancher, Akzo Nobel R&D folks with new paint samples, New York journalist, old friends from Coke, environment gurus, installation artist, student from Curacao… Can’t buy a tour like that! Norwegian “mountain goats” with snuff on board do “This continent wants you dead!” safety drills. Life boat with three days supply for 48 people is really cozy. Armenian doctor on board (Was he happy to see Armenian Cognac!). A documentary film about 7 old Swedish explores who eat penguins and heat the hut with seal bladder (Were they happy to be rescued after two year and had a shower!). No puking, no falling out of top bunk! Drake Passage was merciful, I guess. Second person up in the morning to inhale salty breeze on upper deck! Yummy breakfast! Fin Whales are a jolly bunch! Capitan Jorge knows his way to The First Iceberg! Third day on board – everyone feels like a sailing veteran. Understand knots and nautical miles and see depth reading. King George Island view! Will go off shore tomorrow morning! Wanted to pee around Russian Bellinsgauzen base? Official tip - do like Russians do – just pee around! I kinda like that…

Alexander’s initial thoughts on climate change:

Being an employee of The Coca-Cola Company, environment is always high on priority list. I’m very aware and cautious about environmental impact our industry has and we are constantly looking for ways to minimize this impact. Personally I feel that climate change should be on top of everyone’s mind all the time – for example, do not let the hot water run while brushing your teeth first thing in the morning…